What is the best thing that I love about my work? There is this great feeling of peace that comes with the total freedom of being able to do what you love.

What is my idea of perfect happiness? Peace, love, joy and health.

What is my greatest fear? I do not believe in fear.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? On occasion I push too hard, when deep down I know if I let it, everything I desire will come to me naturally and in its own way and time.

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire? New York Times bestselling authors.

What is my greatest extravagance? My beautiful home.

On what occasion would I lie? To spare someone’s feelings.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? It’s a high risk gamble.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work? I was equally as happy running our comic book store as I am staying home and being an author, but there is always this drive in me to tell stories. It never goes away.

If I could, what would I change about myself? Nothing. I thought really hard about this answer, and after years of meditation, I am at a point in my life of total self-acceptance.

What is my greatest achievement in work? Doing the work and daring to be who you want to be. Owning businesses and writing novels is only for the brave.

Where would I most like to live? I love living in a small suburb outside of Chicago, IL. However, visiting Italy is on my bucket list.

What is my most treasured possession? I have this Foghorn Leghorn print that is made up of cells from the cartoon, and it’s in a beautiful frame in my office.

What is my most marked characteristic? My joy.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city? Chicago Ridge Mall is a wonderful place to people watch.

What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city? Portillos. Italian beef, fries and Chocolate Cake shakes.

What books influenced my life and how? Harold and the Purple Crayon taught me to dream. The Cart on Mulberry Street dared me to tell stories. The Art of War taught me about strategy. Everything in life seems to come down to that one thing…which move you will make next and when you will make it. I won’t bore you with my list of selfhelp books; I am a self-help junkie.

Who are my favorite writers? I am a huge fan of the greats like Poe. I love the 70s through 90s style of writing, which reads less like a screenplay and has more subtle nuances that drive the story. So I have stayed true to John Saul, Robert B. Parker, Nora Roberts, Stephen King and JoAnn Ross. Romance and Horror are my two favorite genres.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen to on my last day? Okay I will play. Normally I would argue with you that the soul goes on and we live multiple lives, but this one time I will choose music instead. Beautiful piano pieces always calm me down. I even listen to them during my morning meditation.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? I am an anti-hero gal. The Punisher is my favorite.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? My late grandfather, Harold Brady and my husband, Gene Binkley, both are very strong men, good providers with an amazing sense of humor.

Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime? The Godfather.

What role art plays in my life and work? I consider writing an art. That being said, it plays the most important role in my life right after family.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? I’m blessed enough to have too many people in my corner to name.

Whom would I like to work with in 2017? I’m actually working on something. I’d rather not say what as I don’t want to jinx it.

Which people in my profession would I love to meet in 2017? I enjoy meeting a lot of writers as there is so much to learn from each and every one of them. Specifically this year I would like to meet a nice literary agent.

What project, in 2017, am I looking forward to work on? I have been known for writing romantic suspense, but this year I am excited about making my very first stab at a thriller.

Where can you see me or my work in 2017? You can always find me on Facebook. As far as my works as an author, I am considering the different options that I have and deciding which route is best to take. You will be able to find my work somewhere in 2017. I am just not sure where, yet.

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? Love never dies.

Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story? Ann Marie Aiello, Anita Stewart, Kemberlee Shortland and Veronica Forand.

How can you contact me? dawnbinkley@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/dawnbinkley7 I am always on Facebook, always. https://twitter.com/keiragrant77

The Heroine’s Journey is brought to you by Peter de Kuster dedicated to educate, amuse and enrich creative professionals.

Almost five years after launching The Heroine’s Journey and The Hero’s Journey, business storyteller Peter has become an irreverent, forceful voice—inspiring people to make make money doing what they love.

To learn more about having Peter speak at your event mail him at peterdekuster@hotmail.nl